Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP20) – Other Categories

Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP20) was originally identified for being able to stimulate lactin release. However, that is not considered its function anymore, it is reclassified as a neuropeptide with a role in energy balance, and an inhibitor of appetite. PrRP20 is considered a central neuromodulator found within the A1 and A2 noradrenergic neurons and neurons of the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. PrRP20 binds with high affinity to the G protein coupled receptor GPR10. Binding can lead to activation of numerous signalling pathways including activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK1/2) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Not much is known about the binding mechanism and activation of GPR10. Use of PrRP20 and its analogs have aimed to provide greater insight to the binding and activation of GRP10 to better understand how this effects energy balance. With new links being made between diabetes and obesity with Alzheimer’s disease it raises the question of whether PrRP20 and GP10 may be a factor in the disease development due to the colocalization in the same brain regions. Further study may lead to novel therapies for obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease in the future.